Franco Alemán has been called up to the big leagues. The native of Sancti Spíritus will receive his first opportunity in the Major Leagues following a dominant start in Triple-A. The right-hander has tossed 12 scoreless innings, notched 18 strikeouts, a victory and sports a 0.75 WHIP in at Columbus (AAA).
Alemán’s fastball sits between 95–99 MPH The Cuban hurler will become the 24th Cuban player to reach MLB in 2026 and the 405th Antillean be called up to the Major Leagues. Once he sees action he will officially become the 403rd Cuban player to play in MLB.
(This count includes the cases of Ronnier Mustelier and Luis Miguel Romero, who made an MLB roster but did not make their debut in an official game.). Another Cuban arm completes the long journey to the Majors and gets an opportunity to showcase his talents on the grand stage.
Cuban players on MLB rosters for 2026:
1. Luis Danys Morales RHP (Athletics)
2. Andy Ibáñez IF (Athletics)
3. Raisel Iglesias RHP (Atlanta Braves)
4. Yennier Cano RHP (Baltimore Orioles)
5. Lázaro Estrada RHP (Toronto Bluejays)
6. Aroldis Chapman LHP (Boston Red Sox)
7. Johan Oviedo RHP (Boston Red Sox)
8. Edgar Quero C (Chicago White Sox)
9. Miguel Vargas IF (Chicago White Sox)
10. Yordan Álvarez OF-DH (Houston Astros)
11. Yoan Moncada IF (Los Angeles Angels)
12. Jorge Soler OF-DH (Los Angeles Angels)
13. Andy Pagés OF (Los Angeles Dodgers)
14. Luis Robert OF (New York Mets)
15. Adolis García OF (Philadelphia Phillies)
16. Adrián Morejón LHP (San Diego Padres)
17. Randy Arozarena OF (Seattle Mariners)
18. Yandy Díaz 1B-DH (Tampa Bay Rays)
19. Cionel Pérez LHP (Washington Nationals)
20. Orlando Ribalta RHP (Washington Nationals)
21. Kendrys Rojas LHP (Minnesota Twins)
22. Lourdes Gurriel Jr OF (Arizona Diamondbacks)
23. César Prieto IF (St. Louis Cardinals)
24. Franco Alemán RHP (Cleveland Guardians)
Of Cuban Descent:
1. Zach Neto SS (Los Angeles Angels)
2. Nick Castellanos OF (San Diego Padres)
3. Nick Martínez RHP (Tampa Bay Rays)
4. Nick Fortes C (Tampa Bay Rays)
5. Lance McCullers Jr. RHP (Houston Astros)
6. Carlos Rodón LHP (New York Yankees)
7. JC Escarra C (New York Yankees)
8. Sal Stewart 1B (Cincinnati Reds)
9. Anthony Núñez RHP (Baltimore Orioles)
10. Adrián del Castillo C (Arizona Diamondbacks)
11. Aramis García C (Arizona Diamondbacks)
12. Nolan Arenado 3B (Arizona Diamondbacks)
13. Carlos Rodríguez RHP (Milwaukee Brewers)